Standing at 6-foot-7, Mario Barasi Jr. is among the intriguing frontcourt prospects eyeing a breakthrough in the 50th season of the PBA Rookie Draft.With his size, versatility, and steady rise through the country’s competitive basketball ranks, Barasi is primed to make his mark as a power forward and center.The 24-year-old native of Lal-Lo, Cagayan carved his basketball path through notable programs at the collegiate and semi-professional levels. He first suited up for the University of Perpetual Help Altas in the NCAA, showcasing his potential as an inside presence.His journey later took him to Adamson University, where he competed in multiple tournaments, including the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup, the UAAP with the Adamson Soaring Falcons, and the Pinoyliga Cup, further sharpening his skills against elite talent.

Kenji “Chog Chog” Moral, who was 16 years of age and a native from Bacolor, Pampanga has already made a name for himself in the world of Philippine youth basketball. Kenji is currently a student-athlete at St. Augustine School. His roots in local basketball and rapid development have led to an impressive journey through various elite youth leagues and tournaments.Standing at 6'1" and playing the point guard position, he's known for his court vision, leadership, and clutch performances—traits that have made him a standout across multiple leagues and tournaments.From local tournaments to national leagues, Kenji has continually proven himself as a clutch player and team leader, collecting multiple MVP honors and championship titles. His performances not only highlight his talent but also reflect his dedication to developing as a top-tier athlete. 

The Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball squad emerged victorious in the 45-up division at the World Masters Games, clinching the gold medal after a hard-fought 103-92 win over Mongolia on Monday, May 26, at the Fujen Catholic University Gymnasium in Xinzhuang, New Taipei City, Taiwan.Veteran leadership and experience powered the Filipinos to the top. Team captain Gilbert Malabanan led by example, putting up an impressive stat line of 25 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and two steals. His all-around performance and court command anchored the team throughout the championship game.Sharp-shooting guard Rendell Dela Rea added firepower from the perimeter, knocking down four three-pointers on his way to 24 markers, providing a steady offensive boost and keeping the defense on their heels.Inside the paint, Marlon Basco delivered a commanding performance with a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds, along with four assists, two steals, and a block. His physical presence and relentless effort on both ends of the floor were key in fending off Mongolia’s inside attacks.Guiness Nabung also made valuable contributions in the starting rotation, finishing with four points, two rebounds, and two assists, adding balance to both ends of the court.The steady hand of Roger Yap proved vital in the gold medal game. The veteran guard served as the team’s stabilizer, orchestrating plays and maintaining composure under pressure. Yap flirted with a triple-double, tallying nine points, seven rebounds, and a game-high 13 assists. His floor leadership was instrumental in guiding the team from a nine-point deficit to a decisive 11-point win.

Loren Brill, the Filipino-American guard and son of former Olongapo sports star Louie Brill, is set on reigniting his professional basketball journey in the Philippines. Standing at 6’0” and weighing 190 pounds, Loren brings a mix of international experience, athleticism, and heritage pride to the court.His father, Louie Brill, was a back-to-back NCAA champion (1977–1978) with the San Beda Red Lions and team captain of the 1982 RP Youth team that won the ABC Juniors Championship, cementing his place among the country’s standout basketball figures of his era.Following in those footsteps, Loren carved his own path abroad. A former Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots draftee, he was selected 28th overall in the 2021 PBA Draft, contributing to Magnolia’s deep playoff runs in the Philippine Cup and Governor’s Cup. Before turning pro, he played Division I basketball in the U.S. — first with California State University Fullerton, and later with Old Dominion University, where he competed in the 2019 NCAA March Madness Tournament.After a solid stint with the Dasmariñas Monarchs in the 2023 AsiaBasket League, Loren now looks to return to the PBA with renewed focus and hunger. Carrying the competitive fire of his father Louie, a champion and youth team legend, Loren Brill is determined to write the next chapter of the Brill basketball legacy — one built on history, pride, and perseverance.

In 2016, Janine Nicandro shocked the basketball-crazy Filipino nation as she became the first female referee to officiate pay-for-play games in the Philippine Basketball Association.Janine, known to basketball teams as “Referee #41”, is a proud daughter of Pagsanjan, Laguna.In an exclusive interview with our team, Janine opened up about her referee journey - one that started when she went to Manila together with her bestfriend Marilee, who also became the league’s third-ever lady referee.They decided to explore Manila to get out of their comfort zone and earn a better income.“I went to Manila with Ate Mao (Marilee) Orioste. Then attend training with other female applicants…Ayeez Ceballos, Jill Santiago, Faye Tria, Jane Umali and Ma’am Edith Boticario,” she said.Together with some other female applicants, Nicandro started going to training camps and improving her skills to climb up the ladder of success.She first started in the PBA D-League academy in 2014 before jumping to the pro league after two years.During her first time officiating an official PBA game, she felt different kinds of emotions and feelings.

Moving on is one of the things that humans occasionally find difficult to comprehend. However, in order to improve and flourish, one must either pursue change or just dwell in their comfort zone indefinitely.The collegiate volleyball community was surprised to learn of the departure of Dr. Obet Vital from his post as University of the East Lady Red Warriors head coach to bring his vision and initiatives to the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons Women’s Volleyball Team.But an even bigger revelation was followed by the transfer of California Academy standouts and former Lady Red Warriors Casiey Dongallo, Kizzie Madriaga, and Jelai Gajero to the Diliman school.In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Coach Obet shared an optimistic outlook of the team’s trajectory and expressed enthusiasm for what lies ahead as they continue to evolve as a group and as individuals.

Seventeen of the Philippines’ top billiards players are set to battle for the coveted Crown Jewel of Nineball as the World Pool Championship kicks off Monday at the Green Halls in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Led by former world champion Carlo Biado and 2023 semifinalist Johann Chua, the Philippines will field the largest contingent in the 128-man field, all gunning for a piece of the record-setting prize pool for the champion. Chua and Biado headline the campaign as they look to deliver the country’s fifth world title, following in the footsteps of Filipino legends Efren “Bata” Reyes (1999), Ronnie Alcano (2006), Francisco “Django” Bustamante (2010), and Biado himself, who lifted the trophy in 2017 and finished runner-up in 2018.Joining them are veterans James Aranas, Lee Vann Corteza, and Roland Garcia, alongside emerging stars AJ Manas, Anton Raga, Bernie Regalario, and Jefrey Roda. Also flying the flag are Michael Feliciano, Jeffrey Ignacio, Michael Baoanan, Marvin Asis, Alexis Ferrer, Mark Kalagayan, and Marlon Caneda.The road to the title, however, won't be easy. Defending champion Fedor Gorst (USA) enters as the heavy favorite, chasing his third world crown and aiming to become the first back-to-back winner since Earl Strickland's legendary run from 1990 to 1992.Other top contenders include Joshua Filler (Germany), Francisco Sanchez Ruiz (Spain), Jayson Shaw (Great Britain), Aloysius Yapp (Singapore), the Ko brothers—Pin Yi and Ping Chung (Chinese Taipei)—and Shane Van Boening (USA).

After stepping away from the basketball scene for quite some time, Oliver Agapito is now recalibrating his skills with Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball, set to compete in the World Masters Tournament from May 17-30, 2025.In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Agapito shared his basketball journey, life beyond the sport, and how he found himself drawn back to the game.

Leading a flock of talent-rich individuals would have been an easy task for a captain, but for someone guiding a team that is attempting to break into the Final Four of the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament, it would be a handful task.It has been 43 years since the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons Women’s Volleyball Team emerged as victors in the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament. It would seem like a punch to the moon to even reach the Final Four as the squad last made it in 2017. It was a reminder for the newly-minted captain Dannica Celis that the trophy has been elusive for the Maroon school for four decades as their best-place finish has consistently been third.As captain, Celis emphasizes that winning one game at a time is more important than reaching the Final Four. She acknowledges the long-standing gap since their championship win, and while it serves as motivation, her team's current approach is centered on gradual improvement and individual growth that will contribute to collective success.

Alas Pilipinas stars Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons booked a breakthough win on Friday, October 17, in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour 2025 Nuvali Challenge in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.The Filipina duo swept the Slovenian pair, 21-19, 21-9, whom they also defeated in the Futures in Budapest only last month. 

Spike and Serve Philippines Inc. is once again on the move, driven by its passion for reaching and helping aspiring athletes in communities across the country. The primary objective of their latest outreach, held on Tuesday, July 1, was to support the active grassroots volleyball scene in Barangay Sabang, Morong, Bataan.Led by founder Nicole “Tiammy” Tiamzon—who is also a member of the PVL All-Filipino champions, Petro Gazz Angels—Spike & Serve returned to Barangay Sabang to engage with the Volleybukids program. These young grassroots athletes were given a hands-on opportunity to deepen their understanding of the sport and learn directly from professionals. In line with the mission, vision, and goals of Spike and Serve Philippines, the organization remains committed to helping the youth not just become better athletes, but also responsible citizens and future leaders in their communities.

Barangay Ginebra relied on their balanced scoring to capture the win in Game 1 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series against NorthPort, 115-93, last night, February 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Justin Brownlee led the charge for the Gin Kings, pouring in 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists in just 32 minutes of play.Brownlee was supported by his local teammates, led by Troy Rosario, who scored 15 points, followed by RJ Abarrientos with 14, while Japeth Aguilar added 11.The first half of the match was a close battle, with Ginebra holding only a five-point lead over the Batang Pier, 56-51.However, in the third quarter, the Gin Kings unleashed a barrage of points while locking down NorthPort defensively, outscoring them 32-14.Heading into the fourth period, Ginebra never looked back, maintaining their commanding lead and still outscoring the Batang Pier 28-27 to secure the victory.Despite the dominant win, Ginebra coach Tim Cone remained cautious, saying it was just one win in a long series.Still, the victory is a big boost for a Ginebra team that struggled to get ideal training during the long break, with Cone, Brownlee, Rosario, Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, Japeth Aguilar, and LA Tenorio all serving duties with Gilas Pilipinas.

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) will welcome the collegiate community as it hosts the UAAP Season 88 opening ceremony on September 19 at the UST Grandstand and Open Field, with a massive crowd of 25,000 to 30,000 expected to fill España for what promises to be a festive launch rivaling the school’s annual Paskuhan celebration.“Now the gates of España are wide open. The stage has been set,” declared UAAP Season 88 president Rev. Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P., during the league’s pre-season press conference at the Dr. Robert Sy Grand Ballroom inside the UST campus. “To the UAAP community, we are more than ready to give it our all and release the loudest roar this season.”UST continues its tradition of holding the season’s grand opening at home, unlike other schools that often opt for large arenas or coliseums. The following day, the spotlight shifts to the hardwood as the men’s basketball tournament takes center stage at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion with a jam-packed weekend of action.

Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons came agonizingly close to extending their breakthrough campaign at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge, but their Cinderella bid ended in heartbreak after a hard-fought 18-21, 24-22, 15-12 defeat to Switzerland’s Annique Niederhauser and Menia Bentele on Friday night at the Nuvali Sands Court by Ayala Land in Santa Rosa, Laguna.The Alas Pilipinas aces looked on the verge of a stunning advance to the Round of 16, and possibly a deeper run, after forcing a thrilling extended second set. The Filipinas capitalized on the Swiss pair’s string of errors, seizing momentum and igniting hopes of a major upset in front of a roaring home crowd.

Nicknamed as the "Batang Mamaw" and often compared to NBA’s Ja Morant for his explosiveness and flair on the court, Andre Jamgellad Ugaddan is one of the most electrifying young basketball players emerging from the Philippine youth circuit today especially in the region of Calabarzon.At just 17 years old, Andre’s résumé is already filled with standout performances and accolades across national youth tournaments which includes the following: Palarong Pambansa, MBTC (Metro Basketball Tournament Circuit), Junior MPBL Multiple MVP Awards, Multiple Championships, Best Player Honors, Champion – Dunk Contest. He’s not just performing—he’s dominating.As Ugaddan continues to make waves in youth basketball circles, his name is increasingly mentioned among the next generation of future collegiate and professional stars in the Philippines. With each game, he proves that he's not just playing for today—he’s building a legacy for tomorrow.Ugaddan’s game is marked by powerful drives, highlight dunks, and an impressive shooting touch that makes him a constant threat on the floor. Whether leading fast breaks or draining shots from deep, he brings intensity, energy, and entertainment every time he steps on the hardwood.With standout performances across major youth tournaments and a growing list of accolades, Andre Ugaddan is a name to watch in the next generation of Philippine basketball. He’s not just making noise—he’s making history.

When it comes to grace under pressure, sharp court vision, and consistency in execution, Maria Deanna Izabella Alvizo Wong—known to fans simply as Deanna Wong—stands tall as one of the Philippines’ most recognized volleyball setters.Born on July 18, 1998, Wong hails from Cebu, where her volleyball journey began not on a grand court but in a humble sixth-grade intramural game, all thanks to a best friend’s invitation. That small moment would eventually lead to a stellar collegiate and professional volleyball career.She first studied at Saint Theresa’s College of Cebu and later attended the University of San Jose–Recoletos for high school. Her early promise in volleyball soon caught the attention of university scouts, leading to training invitations from San Sebastian College–Recoletos and eventually Ateneo de Manila University, where her collegiate career truly blossomed.